Sports Description

The Cycling Events will include a Criterium, Hill Climb, Mountain Biking, Road Race and Time Trial.

Criterium & Hill Climb
The Criterium will be held over two evenings in Stormont Estate covering laps of a 1km circuit around the iconic Northern Ireland Parliament Building. The Hill Climb will also be held at Stormont over a ¾ mile route.

Mountain Biking
The Mountain Biking events will include Cross Country and Downhill events on the recently opened world-class trails in Rostrevor Forest/Kilbroney Park.
The track for Cross Country is approximately 4km long and includes natural technical single-track, fire road climbs and some fast trail centre single-track. The lap takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete and, depending on what category you are in, the race will last between 1.5-2 hours

The Downhill track is on the more challenging course at the trail centre. It is approximately 1.4km long and a sub 2 minute run will be a fast time. The terrain is mainly rock/stone and is designed to be used in all conditions. There will be jumps and drops but these will be rollable. Depending on numbers, there will be a 2 run format, with the fastest time to count.

Athletes will be able to practise from Friday 2nd August and explore the rest of the trail centre. There is almost 30km of fresh single-track to be explored.

Road Race
The Road Race will take place in Carrickfergus, approximately 12 miles from Belfast, and will be held over laps of an undulating 18 mile circuit.

Time Trial
The Time Trial will be 12 miles long and will also take place in Carrickfergus. It will start from the ramparts of the historic Norman Castle which stands on the banks of Belfast Lough. 

Northern Ireland has a strong cycling history and recently celebrated its first World Champion, Martyn Irvine, who took a world title in Track Cycling in February 2013.

Following the 2013 WPFG in August, Northern Ireland will play host to the start of the second biggest cycle race in the world when the Tour of Italy visits in May 2014.

Cycling Video

Schedule

Criterium

Monday, 5 August 2013 & Tuesday, 6 August 2013

Hill Climb

Wednesday, 31st July 2013

Mountain Biking

Friday, 2 August 2013, Saturday, 3 August 2013 & Sunday, 4 August 2013

Road Race

Saturday, 3 August 2013

Time Trial

Sunday, 4 August 2013

Please note that all dates are subject to change. Detailed scheduling (exact dates and times for individual events) will be confirmed at the beginning of July 2013.

Venue

The venues for Cycling are given below.

Criterium & Hill Climb

These events will take place at Stormont Estate, 9km east of the city centre. The grounds contain one of Northern Ireland's most iconic buildings - Parliament Buildings. These government buildings are surrounded by a 164-hectare public park, providing a spectacular setting for the renowned landmark. This area is a great place for a bracing walk along its marked paths which afford spectacular views across Belfast.

Stormont Estate
Upper Newtownards Road
Belfast
BT4 3TA
Visit Website

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking events will take place at Rostrevor Forest/Kilbroney park where the mountain, stream, sea-lough and valley make up a scenic landscape. The park offers a wide range of facilities and services including tennis courts, a children's play area, playing fields, an arboretum, barbeque, picnic areas and café, making it a fantastic sports venue and an ideal venue for a day out.

Rostrevor Forest/Kilbroney Park
Rostrevor
Newry
Co. Down
View Website

Road Race & Time Trial

These events will take place in Carrickfergus, the home of Carrickfergus Castle, one of Northern Ireland's most striking monuments. The Castle represents over 800 years of history and is a superb venue to cycle from. Carrickfergus Castle can also be enjoyed by visitors who are looking for a fun day out in a unique setting.

Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus
BT38 8AU
Visit website

A map is shown at the bottom of the page.

More information

For detailed information on the Cycling competition at the 2013 Games go to the relevant section of the Entry Book.

Click here to download the Cycling leaflet.

For any other queries email the 2013 Cycling coordinator at Cycling@2013wpfg.com and for queries regarding Mountain Biking email Mountainbiking@2013wpfg.com

Click here to register for Cycling.

FAQs

MTB

Is there uplift available for the downhill race?
Yes, a tractor and trailer system will be used to transport bikes and riders to the top.

What equipment is required?
For the downhill race it is highly recommended to bring a standard industry downhill specific bike with 200mm travel and triple clamp style forks. The track is not for beginners; however any jumps/drops will have optional routes. A full face helmet and is compulsory and body armour is strongly advised.
The cross country will be better suited to a hard tail or short travel full suspension bike. All bikes must be mechanically sound and conform to UCI/Cycling Ireland regulations. Helmets are also compulsory. Hybrid style bikes will not be suitable.

Is bike and equipment hire available?
Mountain Bike hire will be available to athletes at very competitive rates.  Details of the hiring process and costs will be available here soon. Please email amitchell@2013wpfg.com  if you are interested in availing of this offer.
If you are considering hiring equipment, it is advisable to bring your own pedals and shoes if you normally ride with a clip-less system.

Is transportation available to the venue?
This is being investigated and more information will be available closer to the event. Kilbroney Park is approximately one hour's drive from Belfast. 

ROAD

Is bike and equipment hire available?
This is being investigated and more information will be available closer to the event.

Can I cycle to the venues?
Stormont Estate is a short cycle from the Athletes Village/City Centre. Carrickfergus is less than one hour`s cycle, with most of the route being on a cycle path.
We are negotiating with transport providers to arrange train times to and from Belfast and Carrickfergus.

What distance will the Road Race event be?
These will be decided by age category, and will be published nearer the event. As the route is an 18 mile circuit, the maximum is likely to be three laps, and the minimum one.

What equipment is required?
Correct cycling clothing, a mechanically sound bike which conforms to UCI/Cycling Ireland regulations and a safety-stamped helmet.

Map of venues